Lake Cowichan Gazette, January 27, 2016 by Black Press Media Group

White Hatter: Keeping upto-date key for Internet safety PAGE 3

Peter Nix: Growing electricity in a solar garden in Cowichan PAGE 7

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016

VOL. 20, NO. 4 | $1 + GST

Bus strike?: Drivers negotiating with contractor PAGE 12

www.lakecowichangazette.com

SUMMER WATER WOES ON WINTER AGENDAS Area F director Ian Morrison recently told the Cowichan Lake Chamber of Commerce that longterm survival of the Cowichan River depends not only upon raising Cowichan Lake’s weir but also cooperation between Catalyst Paper (the weir’s owner), local government and First Nations. For the full story, see page 10. [JAMES GOLDIE/GAZETTE]

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2 Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

Film shooting at the Lake hush-hush LOCATION: old radio station site used by film crew JAMES GOLDIE GAZETTE

Production has begun in Youbou and Lake Cowichan on an independent horror film, the details of which are still shrouded in mystery. “[We are] closed to media at this time due to non-disclosure until [the] full marketing plan is finalized,” said filmmaker Qué Banh in an online statement. “This film production is different than others, due to the conceptual and unique nature of [the] project, we are keeping a lot of the details under wraps at this time.” Banh closed her statement by saying more information will be available at a later date. Joseph Fernandez, chief administrative officer with the Town of Lake Cowichan, confirmed that the group is in town and said that no special permits were required for this production. “Only if they are using our property or public property, they would need approval,” he said. “They were only using one of our facilities, so a permit was not required. We gave them permission to use that facility.” The facility in question is the former radio station building. The company did pay an undisclosed rental fee. Fernandez said this is not the first time

“This film production is different than others, due to the conceptual and unique nature of [the] project, we are keeping a lot of the details under wraps at this time.”

A couple of junior firefighters enjoy riding on a float in the Lake Days Parade in 2015. To keep Lake Days going, more volunteers are needed, say past and present organizers. [CITIZEN FILE]

More volunteers needed for Lake Days to continue: Craft

QUÉ BANH, filmmaker

a film company has been shooting in Lake Cowichan and the town is open to working with such groups. “Any time they come to us we try and accommodate them how we can,” he said. The Town of Lake Cowichan itself does not actively work to draw film companies to the lake area for productions, but rather works through the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s Film Cowichan program. According to the CVRD’s website, this initiative is “dedicated to attracting and supporting film industry activities in the Cowichan region.” Otherwise, said Fernandez, film companies learn about the Lake through word of mouth.

NEW CREW, From Page 1 “What we need is someone who is going to liaison between them and make sure we have all our permits, licences, rental equipment, that it’s all available when they need it,” she said. “[The chair] would also have to make decisions regarding planning of any additional activities, budgeting, advertising, sponsorships, etc. So basically what we need is a really organized person and one that is able to communicate affectively.” Craft said working on Lake Days is a rewarding experience, especially seeing the delight it can bring to so many members of the community. She said she was particularly pleased with the lunch and dinner lake cruises introduced last year which proved to be quite a hit. But, she added, if Lake Days is going to continue it needs more volunteers. “Finding new people who want to get involved is sometimes a challenge,” Craft said. “Last year there were a few of us doing a lot of things. And it would be nice to have more of us doing less things.”

CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE! Nominate for the Black Tie Awards

Joe Tatham, who sat on last year’s Lake Days committee, echoed this sentiment. He thinks the idea of “revisioning Lake Days” isn’t necessarily a bad one. “What do people want Lake Days to be? And I think that’s the hard thing that needs to be resolved. I mean, it’s been around for over 70 years. But it’s a pretty different community today than it was 20 years ago,” he said. Bob Day and his wife, Laurie Johnson, were the lead organizers of Lake Days for five years but stopped after 2014 to focus on projects. He said until Cummings and Craft stepped up to take over from them, they were afraid it might mean the end of Lake Days. “These festivals we do are good economic drivers so we should do them and try to do them as best we can,” he said. Day said he hopes the new organizers can maintain the Lake Days people have grown accustomed to, but it takes the will of the whole community to make that happen. “Or it could go back to its origins,” he said. “It could just be a community picnic.”

• Everyone is invited to nominate • 8 categories to choose from • Awards honour businesses, individuals & organizations • Nominees must live or do business in Cowichan (CVRD)

NOMINATION DEADLINE IS JAN. 31/16 Go to www.blacktieawards.com to nominate*

INFORMATION SESSION AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Duncan Cowichan Chamber T: 250.748.1111 F: 250.746.8222 E: chamber@duncancc.bc.ca *Rules & criteria apply. See website for details. Nominate online or download & print.

Closure of Duncan Primary School (former CVOLC Building)

January 28, 2016 6:00 – 6:30 pm in the Multi Purpose Room, CSS, Quamichan Campus (2515 Beverly Street)

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The Cowichan Valley School District is holding a public meeting for members of the public to receive information, ask questions and provide input into the proposed closure of the Duncan Primary School facility.

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The Cowichan Secondary School Dual Campus Review Public Consultation scheduled for January 28, 2016 at 6:30 pm has been postponed. Please watch the website for additional information. www.sd79.bc.ca

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www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, January 27, 2016 3

Keeping up-to-date key for White Hatter ONLINE: from bullying to sexting JAMES GOLDIE GAZETTE

Staff sergeant Darren Laur (aka The White Hatter) talks about online safety with Grad 6 to 8 students at Lake Cowichan School last week. “It’s a two-way learning street. They learn from me and I learn from them all the time,” he says. [JAMES GOLDIE/GAZETTE]

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Staff sergeant Darren Laur (aka The White Hatter) and his wife, Elizabeth, travel throughout Canada speaking to students about online safety and best practices. They were at Lake Cowichan School last week. [JAMES GOLDIE/GAZETTE]

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Dressed in his signature black waist coat and white fedora, one of Canada’s foremost online crime fighters arrived at Lake Cowichan School last week with his most up-to-date lessons on Internet best practices. For the past six years, staff sergeant Darren Laur of the Victoria RCMP has been traveling to schools across Canada as “The White Hatter,” sharing online safety presentations with children, teenagers and adults. His nickname is an online term describing people who use their knowledge of the Internet for good purposes as opposed to those who do bad things and are referred to as “Black Hats.” Laur aims to increase awareness of the potential trouble young people can find themselves in if they don’t use the Internet wisely. “Everything you do online is public, permanent, searchable, exploitable and for sale. If there’s one thing I want people leaving with is that message,” he said. During his presentations, Laur covers a wide range of topics from bullying and criminal harassment to sexting to the potential impact online behaviour can have on a student’s future job or college applications. Laur updates his lesson plan every six months to keep up with the latest social media sites and apps. “What changes is the lingo and maybe some of the social networks that are popular, but I stay in contact with the kids,” he said. Laur’s Facebook page has more than 20,000 followers, most of them students who have seen his presentation. “They’re always talking to me, keeping me up to date on the current lingo, sites that are popular…It’s a two-way learning street. They learn from me and I learn from them all the time.” On Jan 19, three additional schools — Drinkwater Elementary School, École Mount Prevost and Tansor Elementary — joined Lake Cowichan students for Laur’s first presentation of the day, designed for Grade 6 to 8 students. The second presentation was for Grade 9 to 12 students, and there was also an evening presentation for parents. “Our PAC group was going to support it all but after inviting these three schools, they’re all coming in and helping covering the cost,” said Lake Cowichan School vice principal Brent Zimmer. This was the second time the White Hatter has come to Lake Cowichan, and Zimmer said his school hopes to have him return every two years, adding that it’s important for students to be aware of their “digital footprints” and potential implications of their online activity. “Without getting into specifics, certainly there have been issues of online bullying with kids in our school. Not necessarily happening here but something that spills over into here [from] something that happens on the weekend or goes on outside of school hours,” said Zimmer. According to Laur, students in small towns like Lake Cowichan are just as prone to negative online behaviour as those in larger urban settings. “That’s why we call it the World Wide Web, right? Because it knows no boundaries,” said Laur, adding that the school here is taking the appropriate steps to address this subject. “The parents are the keystones. Too many parents abdicate their responsibility to the schools on this issue,” he said. “But it’s the parents who are giving these kids these digital keys to the digital highway with these cell phones.” About two dozen parents showed up for Laur’s evening presentation. “I thought it was awesome. It was a lot of information in a short time,” said Linda O’Connor afterwards. “As parents, we’re running really fast to try to keep up with our kids with regards to digital information. And they’re far beyond us.”

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4 Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

TO COMMENT

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OPINION

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Time for new faces to step up for Lake Days

We’re seeing it happen a lot in community organizations around the Cowichan Valley. Longtime volunteers are becoming tapped out, and there isn’t anyone to take up the mantle. This is endangering the very continuance of some of our communities’ best-loved events and groups. The Arthritis Society is saying farewell in June, the 2016 Heart and Stroke Breakfast on Feb. 1 will be the last, and past organizers of Lake Days are warning that unless somebody else steps up soon to take it over, it, too, might become a thing of the past. Which would be a big shame. Lake Days has a long and colourful history in town, and people look forward to it every year. From the annual parade to the iconic Lady of the Lake pageant, it’s something that people have grown up with and aspire to be part of. But not enough people are aspiring to be part of the planning and gruntwork, folks like Bob Day are warning. And if that doesn’t change it may be a tearful goodbye to a summertime staple. We sincerely hope that some energetic volunteers take the leap. Lake Days is a great economic driver for the community in the summer, but it’s about more than dollars and cents. It’s become part of the community identity, woven into its history and the very fabric of who, collectively, we are. Day also wanted people to know that it’s not the big, scary commitment that many people seem to think it is. This has no doubt caused some who thought about getting involved to back away. If you want to help, it doesn’t mean that you’ll be personally responsible for the full weight of the entire event. You won’t, personally, have to organize the Lady of the Lake pageant, for example. There are committees that take on the nuts and bolts of the various components, and it’s more about the need to have some people who can coordinate all the moving parts to make sure its cohesive. As with many endeavours, if a group of people step up it means less of a burden on any particular individual — and less subsequent burnout. So why not ask about what you can do?

Letters to the editor: YOUR SAY WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Letters to the editor are welcome, but writers are requested to keep their submissions to 350 words or less. Keep it local — letters raised in response to issues raised in our pages get top priority. Letters will be edited for clarity, grammar, length — attack the issue, not the individual. All letters must contain the name, address and signature of the writer, and a phone number where they may be reached during business hours. Thank you letters will not normally be considered for publication. editor@lakecowichangazette.com

St. John Ambulance celebrating 20 years On Tuesday, Jan. 12 the St. John Ambulance Brigade turned 20 years old! For two decades our dedicated volunteers have been providing first aid and patient care at many events in the Cowichan Valley. From small venues such as the Bench Elementary Fun Fair to large events like the Ladysmith Festival of Lights, the members of the St. John Ambulance Division have given our community

more than 60,000 hours of volunteer time. Members are now trained as Advanced Medical First Responders. Over the years, our volunteers have regularly covered community events like the Polar Bear Swim, the CeeVacs 10K run, Special Woodstock, the Cobble Hill Fair, the Buckskin Soccer Tournament, Maple Bay Rowing Club Regatta, Duncan Gymnastics competition, Subaru Triathlon, Dance Under the Stars and Cowichan High’s Dry Grad. We have provided first aid at

the Cowichan Exhibition for many years. At every event at the BC Forest Discovery Centre you will find St. John Ambulance volunteers covering multiple day duties. Many sporting events cannot run without our members there to provide first aid. We are an important part of the Cowichan Valley. We are proud to serve our community. Suzanne Anderson, SSStJ Duncan

Caycuse • Honeymoon Bay • Lake Cowichan • Mesachie Lake • Youbou

Box 10, Lake Cowichan, British Columbia V0R 2G0 Street Address: 170E-Cowichan Lake Road Phone: 250-749-4383 FAX: 250-749-4385 Classifieds: 1-855-310-3535 (toll free) EDITORIAL: editor@lakecowichangazette.com ADVERTISING: production@lakecowichangazette.com PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY BY BLACK PRESS LTD. Canadian Publication Mail Sales Product Agreement #1090194 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

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www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, January 27, 2016 5

Street Beat

With Malcolm Chalmers

The Gazette asked: How important is Lake Days to you?

Anna Laird “I have lived here 10 years and always gone to Lake Days but I think it is a little tired. I think it needs some changes, some new blood with new ideas.”

Debby Tonn “Personally, for me it’s not important because I am a summer resident only but I think it is important for the town because it brings a sense of community.”

Gage Campbell

Nathan Bath

Tony Waller

“I do celebrate it every year, I like it because it is Lake Cowichan. It is a really good way to spruce things up in the town because sometimes it gets really dull here.”

“Pretty important, we get to party and stuff, it’s a time when everybody gets together to have fun.”

“It is pretty important to me. It is nice to see the old pioneers and the new people and it seems to be an enjoyable weekend.”

Letters to the editor

This is your province on weed

Affordable housing strikes at heart of problems

How can it be good news when the costs of a basic human need (shelter) increases by five per cent annually? Let’s do a little math. Let’s assume the average home today is valued at $300,000 and the average household income is $90,000. If real estate prices rise five per cent each year for the next 25 years (that’s what we want, right?), when your kids are ready to buy, the average home will cost about $1 million; and if wages increase by two per cent per year for 25 years, household income will be about $148,000. Your grandchildren will be much worse off: after 50 years of five per cent annual increases, an average home will cost about $3.4 million; after 50 years of two per cent annual wage increases, average household income will be about $242,000. Okay, the example is extreme, but it does illustrate the problem: at some point the price of housing will rise above people’s

MTV commercial totally unsuitable for network I like Sandy’s newscasts (CTV) as she is very pleasant, professional, and easy to listen to. During her newscast tonight at 7:14 p.m., there was a commercial for, I believe it said MTV. It was demonstrably horrible! Why after her pleasant comments about “snow angels” being made somewhere in the eastern seaboard massive storm area I am made hostage to this abominable horror clip thrust into my private home without

ability to fill the basic human need of shelter. Housing will be just another investment opportunity for those with the cash. What can we do? I suggest the following: one, restrict sales of local properties to local buyers — this will curb speculation and ridiculous price increases; and two, the municipality set aside properties for a local NPO [non-profit organization] to develop into affordable housing — some units can be rented according to ability to pay. Suppose that every household could divert just $1,000 per year from the cost of shelter to “disposable income”; with 10,000 families in the area, $10 million would be injected into the local economy each year for food security and spending in local shops. Think of the new businesses and the jobs they would create. We can solve three major problems: homelessness, high unemployment, and rising food prices. If this interests you, contact me: ivan@basicneedsfirst.ca Ivan Quinlan North Cowichan

invitation? That is terrible, intrusive advertising, something that should NEVER, EVER, be on prime time TV! I am very glad that little children were not watching in my home. Your advertising people should all be dismissed as they have NO wisdom or discretion! No wonder we have such violence in our land if kids are bombarded with this evil! Casey Koster Honeymoon Bay

website: www.lakecowichangazette.com

ith unlicensed marijuana dispensaries popping up in urban areas and thousands of unregulated medical licences for home growing still in legal limbo, the Trudeau government is starting work on its promise to legalize recreational use. Marijuana was a media darling in the recent election, but meeting in Vancouver with provincial ministers last week, federal Health Minister Jane Philpott found herself preoccupied with issues deemed more urgent. These include shifting our post-war acute hospital model to community primary care, tackling aboriginal health care needs, pooling pharmaceutical purchases to slow rising costs, and meeting an urgent Supreme Court of Canada directive to legalize assisted dying. At the closing news conference in Vancouver, Philpott was asked how recreational marijuana should be sold. Licensed medical growers want exclusive rights do it by mail as permitted by the Harper government, another measure forced by our high court. That would shut out the rash of supposedly medical storefronts, which city halls in Vancouver and elsewhere imagine they can regulate. Philpott said the question is “premature” and federal-provincial justice ministers were dealing with it at their meeting. Ottawa will have a “task force” too. Vancouver descended into a pot store free-for-all due to benign neglect from council and police, and Victoria isn’t

Thank you for placing flower on wife’s grave I recently drove to Mountain View Cemetery to see my wife’s grave. I was very surprised to

By Tom Fletcher

BC Views

far behind. Vancouver Coun. Kerry Jang, a rare voice of reason in the Big Smoke, has protested dispensaries using street hawkers to attract young buyers, and pot stores setting up near schools. Other communities, more aware of their limitations, have resisted issuing business licences. One recent proposal in the Victoria suburb of View Royal came from a fellow who insisted marijuana extract had cured his cancer. This is typical of claims that proliferate on the Internet, and is one of many warning signs about dispensaries that put up red cross signs to sell pot products with exotic names. B.C. Health Minister Terry Lake was more forthcoming a few days earlier, responding to a Vancouver reporter who judged marijuana more interesting than his just-announced plan to hire 1,600 more nurses by the end of March. Lake noted that Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne is keen to sell marijuana through the province’s monopoly liquor stores. B.C.’s government liquor store union has also endorsed this idea, forming an unlikely alliance with non-union private stores to get in on the action. “There are public health officials that I’ve talked to

see a beautiful flower placed on her grave. I have no idea who placed it there, and it made me think, who could have made such a kind gesture? I believe there must be a great many

who say that the co-location of marijuana and liquor sales is not advisable from a public health perspective,” Lake said. “I think whatever we do it has to be highly regulated, quality control has to be excellent and above all we must protect young people.” Yes, liquor stores check ID. But the notion that marijuana might be sold next to beer and vodka in government stores deserves sober second thought, and serious scientific work of the kind that has shown damage to developing brains from teenage marijuana use. Of course all of this urban hand-wringing over pot stores ignores the de facto legalization that has existed across B.C. for decades. The Nelson Star had a funny story last week about a local woman’s discovery on Google Earth. Zooming in on area mountains, one finds not only the Purcell landmark Loki Peak, but also Weed Peak, Grow Op Peak, Cannabis Peak and Hydroponic Peak. Whatever the source of this cyber-prank, it could also be applied to other regions of B.C. For the record, I’ll restate my long-standing position that legalization is the only logical answer. I’ll say the same about other drugs that drive most B.C. crime, but that’s a subject for another day. Tom Fletcher is B.C. legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Email: tfletcher@blackpress.ca Twitter: @tomfletcherbc

kind people in the world, and I would like to thank them for their kindness and thoughts. Richard Creed Duncan

6 Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

COWICHAN LAKE

With Malcolm Chalmers

Smile FILE

Tamara Lawrence

Name: Tamara Lawrence Occupation: home-based nutrition company Hometown: Youbou I’ve always wanted to do: I want to own a vineyard Most people don’t know that: I went skydiving once Favourite food: pasta Best thing about living here: hiking trails and nature Favourite activity: hiking How do you define down time: sitting on the couch reading a book and staring out the window I wish I was better at: pickle ball If I was stuck on a desert island I would definitely need: an iPod for music. Are you currently reading anything: The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout Favourite time of day is: morning, it’s a new start My guiltiest pleasure is: chocolate My go-to wardrobe staple: track pants and a T-shirt In my car I listen to: depends on the day

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www.thebibliodiva.com Come to the darkside, we have cookies... and moral ambiguity!

The turnout of a second meeting to talk about a future long-term care facility for seniors in Lake Cowichan has Town of Lake Cowichan Mayor Ross Forrest optimistic about the potential project. [FILE]

Preliminary committee struck to investigate seniors facility for Lake JAMES GOLDIE GAZETTE

The most recent public meeting about a future long-term care facility for seniors in Lake Cowichan has the town’s mayor feeling optimistic about the potential project. “About 35 people turned out,” said mayor Ross Forrest. “It was very encouraging.” This meeting, held Jan. 21 at town hall, was called due to low attendance at a similar public forum held in December. The mayor and council shared their desire for Lake Cowichan to eventually have a long-term care facility for seniors at the lake, although all relevant details have yet to be determined. “It was just preliminary, just gauging interest in the community. And certainly it is quite evident there’s interest,” said

Forrest of the meeting. Questions were posed by those in attendance, such as what the facility will look like, how many beds will it contain and where will it be located. All of those details will be decided by a committee and when Forrest asked who would be interested in sitting on such a committee, almost every hand in the room was raised. Consequently, an interim committee was formed, tasked with determining the structure and composition of the final committee. Led by Ross Fitzgerald, the interim committee members are: Tim McGonigle, Katie Berg, Ted Gamble, David Lowther and Marg McGillis. McGonigle represents town council on the this newly formed interim committee. “It was ag reed that this shouldn’t be a council-run

initiative. It’s important this is the public. But council does want to have involvement, and obviously we’re going to have a big say in a lot of the matter,” said Forrest. According to Forrest, the interim committee will meet once or twice to determine how the final committee will operate. Then it will bring in the community at large and set about selecting its members. “It will take the whole community working together to make something like this happen,” said Forrest. “It does have to be a total buyin because at some point there’s going to be fundraising and grant applications and everything else. And to convince other levels of government and Island Health, it’s really going to take the support of the whole community.”

Lake Bloomers looking forward to busy February and beyond MARY LOWTHER GUEST COLUMN

spent two happy hours last night talking shop with 15 other avid gardeners at the Senior’s Centre with the Lake Bloomers Garden Club. Most gardeners I’ve met share their ideas happily and this group is no exception, so if you want to learn more about everything related to gardening and share your own knowledge, this is the group to hang with. Next month, Feb. 13, they’re

having a Sweetheart Bouquet sale outside the liquor store as well as at the Riverside Hotel beer and wine store from 11 a.m. To 2 p.m., by donation. They’re only making a few so you might want to get there early for a lovely treat for your Valentine. At the Feb. 16 meeting, Bernie Dinter of Dinter Nursery will speak to the club about pruning ornamentals and shrubs. Coming up later they’ll have a tour of the Lindahl lamb and bee farm locat-

ed on Cowichan Lake Road. I guess the sheep have come to an understanding with the bees. The Bloomers have a few other tours planned for the summer and I expect there will be much to learn and admire. This years’ executive is: Maureen Loebus and Lynn Abrams, co-presidents; Donna Roughley, secretary; and Suzanne Thom, treasurer. They meet on the third Tuesday of every month and welcome new members.

www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, January 27, 2016 7

Growing electricity in a solar garden in Cowichan can pay PETER NIX GUEST COLUMN

personal investment — transferring about $145,000 from my pension fund. The energy produced will give me a saving on my home’s electric bill of about $2,000/year as I will no longer pay BC Hydro’s Tier 2 rate of about 12.4 cents per kWh. Hydro will also pay about $3,500/year for my excess electricity at 9.9 cents per kWh. So electricity flows from my solar panels into my home (my Tier 2 savings), or into Hydro’s grid and their cheque flows back to me by mail (my cash revenue) — hey, a lot easier than selling strawberries. Combining this saving and revenue gets me to $5,500, and because I save dollars already taxed, I project about a four per cent return in the first year, increasing over time as BC Hydro rates increase. It’s a good deal considering the increasingly poor and volatile returns that my pension fund earned in the stock market this year, and better than investing in low interest GICs or bonds. And it may get even better since a similar project on Salt Spring Island produced 10 per cent more energy than anticipated. As well, I have a 25 year warranty — again, nobody gets that growing strawberries. So step up and invest in solar energy to provide the non-carbon renewable energy needed to replace fossil fuels, which all world governments agree must be done. Your positive action on climate change will visibly demonstrate to any hesitant politician, or citizen, that you support a non-carbon future. Haven’t got enough money? Live in a small house, apartment or condo? Then use someone else’s garden or roof by investing in a citizen-owned Solar Co-op and get dividends, and a thanks from future generations. Email cowichancarbonbusters@shaw.ca So produce strawberries from the soil for exercise and pleasure; but produce electricity from solar panels for sustainability and profit. With photosynthesis, plants can give us food; with renewable energy, you and I can heal our climate. 7400693

n my “solar” garden, I grow food energy in the form of strawberries; but I also grow raw energy in the form of electricity. And then I sell that electrical energy, just like strawberries — well, maybe if I had time to attend farmers markets. Photons of energy stream from the sun to create those strawberries, using the process of photosynthesis. This fantastic evolutionary leap allowed agriculture to jump-start our prosperous society, with cheap energy from fossil fuels needed to power our machines. But energy from fossil fuels turns out to be the biggest Catch 22 in history. Because, while these fuels created prosperity, they are destroying our climate. And the resulting catastrophic storms will eventually destroy our society. So yes, we have prospered; but yes, we planted the seeds of an unsustainable economy and lifestyle. One big solution to minimize damage from climate change is to use the sun’s energy for more than just growing food. More solar energy falls on earth in a single hour that all the fossil fuel energy used globally in a year. On June 9, 2014, Germany produced a record 50 per cent of its electricity from solar and yet it gets less sunshine than does Cowichan You and I should use the sun’s abundant photons to electrify our entire lives — electric cars for transport, electric heat pumps for homes, and electric machines for industry. I live on Vancouver Island and in my region of Cowichan, citizens will spend over $1 billion on energy over the next decade — that means exporting a lot of jobs. But if we go solar, we will create more local jobs than any other energy source. So I encourage you to take the next big step towards sustainability. Consider using your backyard garden, or rooftop, to transfer the sun’s energy into renewable electricity using a proven and inexpensive technology — solar panels. Then, importantly, use that

extra electricity to replace your use of fossil fuels. Unlike my strawberries, there is a side benefit — BC Hydro’s net metering system allows you to sell any excess electricity and make a profit. Not convinced yet? Well, B.C. has considerable hydro-electric power; but generally hydro has a higher carbon footprint than solar, and higher distribution costs. In any case, we will need lots more renewable power to transform into a non-carbon economy; preferably, using citizen-owned, cheap and local energy. Right now, you and I can make solar energy cheaper than can the Site C dam project when, and if, it comes on stream. Solar energy is compatible with BC Hydro’s electrical grid system, and will be needed as glacial waters and reservoirs run dry due to climate change. Solar may even replace existing imports of energy from coal-burning power stations (10 per cent of B.C.’s electricity comes from Alberta’s coal). However, many people cannot make solar electricity on their own — perhaps they have no suitable rooftop or backyard, or lack money to make that initial investment. So what to do? We are forming a group called Solar Cowichan to help people invest in solar energy. The concept is simple; form a social enterprise group, perhaps a co-op, that allows members to invest as much as they can afford in solar panels on residential or commercial sites. This group would install solar panels installed on suitable property, collect money earned from the sale of electricity, and redistribute it to shareholders. To test the economics of this concept, and frankly to put my money where my mouth is, I utilized a bit of my garden as well as a slope on its south side to install 192 solar panels. It took about 35 by 25 metres or about one-tenth of a hectare. But it will produce about 50,000 kWh of energy per year which is three to five times the amount most homes consume. I contracted this project to a local company, Viridian Energy Co-op, as a

Peter Nix has put his money where his mouth is, installing a solar garden on his property. [SUBMITTED]

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8 Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

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STARTING APRIL 8, WOODSTOVE STARTING APRIL 8, EXCHANGE PROGRAM 2016 Rebates Have Arrived Accepting Aggregate

Accepting Aggregate Save money on home heating and improve local air quality by Materials for Recycling exchanging your old, smoky, uncertified woodstove (pre-1994) for an Materials for Recycling efficient and cleaner-burning EPA-certified wood, pellet, or gas heating Accepting Aggregate STARTING APRIL 8,

Materials appliance.accepted include: Materials for Recycling • Porcelain • Mirror Glass • Bricks accepted include: Materials Materials accepted include: • Porcelain • Mirror Glass • Bricks • Ceramics • Non-Laminated • CVRD Concrete residents are eligible to receive a $300 Woodstove • Non-Laminated • Ceramics • Concrete • Porcelain • Mthrough irror Glass • Exchange Bricks Program rebate the CVRDWindow and plus a $50 • HardiPlank • Asphalt • HardiPlank Window and • Asphalt Container Glass • Gravel & rocks retailer discount offered through participating local retailers. • Ceramics • N on-Laminated • Concrete Tipping Fee: $15.00 per tonne - Min. Fee $5.00 Container Glass • Gravel & rocks

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Drop off aggregate materials for recycling at: Tipping Fee: $15.00 per tonne - Min. Fee $5.00 Bings Creek Solid Waste Management Complex To find out how to apply for the Woodstove Exchange Program

rebate, please visit www.cleartheaircowichan.ca, or contact CVRD for more information Engineering Services at 250.746.2530 / 1.800.665.3955 Call the CVRD Recycling Hotline at 250-746-2540 or or email Tipping Fee: $15.00 per tonne - Min. Fee $5.00 Drop off aggregate materials for recycling at:orretailers: 1-800-665-3955 visit www.CVRDrecycles.bc.ca es@cvrd.bc.ca, or visit one of the toll-free participating

Bings Creek Solid Waste Management Complex South Island Fireplace & Spas Granny’s Gas & Woodstoves 3900 Drinkwater Road, Duncan 2939 Boys Drop5799 off aggregate materials for recycling at: Road, Duncan Duncan Street, Duncan 250.746.0123 250.748.3908 for more information Bings Creek Solid Waste Management Complex Call the CVRD Recycling Hotline at 250-746-2540 or 3900 Drinkwater Road, Duncan SMARTER HEATING CLEANER AIR toll-free 1-800-665-3955 or visit&www.CVRDrecycles.bc.ca

toll-free 1-800-665-3955 or visit www.CVRDrecycles.bc.ca

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Upgrading home heating will save time and money. An efficient for more information woodstove uses 1/3 less wood and reduces smoke emissions by up to Call the CVRD Recycling Hotline at 250-746-2540 or 90 percent!

Freddy, above, was adopted to a family only to later be returned to the Lake Cowichan Animal Rescue Society. It wasn’t long though before he was adopted out again and this time to his ‘forever home’. [SUBMITTED PHOTO]

Lake Cowichan Animal Rescue aim to bring back yard sale fundraising GARY AND SHERRIE MCLAUGHLIN SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

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here are many organizations that endeavour to provide care for animals in need. Whether feral, abandoned, or runaways, shelters often find themselves overwhelmed by cats. To deal with the large numbers of these cats in need, rescue groups, shelters and sanctuaries have been developed and specialize in care for these animals. The different group types help in different ways. SPCAs, humane societies and pounds offer veterinary care, and a comfortable place for the animals to stay. Sanctuaries offer respite for feral animals that prove to be unadoptable. These organizations trap and provide spay and neutering to help reduce feral colonies. Rescue societies tend to be smaller organizations run by dedicated volunteers. These smaller groups generally have limits as to how many animals they can care for at one time. Foster homes are one way to help alleviate the sometimes overwhelming numbers as well as providing homes to introduce humans and other animals to their lives prior to adoptions. In Canada it is estimated that more than 600,000 cats are brought to shelters annually. Since 1993 the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies

reports that adoptions have increased from 25 per cent to 53 per cent in 2013. This is due in part to the work of rescue groups throughout the country. Shelters and rescue groups charge an adoption fee to help offset some of the costs associated with caring for the animal. In the Lake Cowichan community the Lake Cowichan Animal Rescue Society, a Canadian registered non-profit organization, provides a strong voice for safe rescue and placement of homeless cats and dogs. This Society has rescued and provided “forever homes” to 917 cats and dogs since its inception in 2006. This year alone the Society provided veterinary care, spay and neutering, medication, shelter and food to 80 cats and dogs. Through their adoption program all animals in the care of the Lake Cowichan Animal Rescue Society are placed in new homes with loving parents and sometimes animal playmates to live with. The goals of the Lake Cowichan Animal Rescue Society are accomplished by a caring and devoted volunteer base. They participate and engage in every aspect of caring for homeless animals. Fundraising events, foster parents, information venues, administering medication, providing shelter to kittens, organizing veterinarian care, Society

infrastructure including bookkeeping, treasurer, and administration, are all achieved with volunteer help from individuals in the community. To help fund the Society strong sponsors like Lake Cowichan Country Grocer and other local businesses contribute by allowing donation boxes and information tables to be present on site. Fundraising such as community raffles are organized four times a year. Private donations also make up a large part of the operating revenue. In the past, garage sales with items donated from community members were also responsible for generating revenue. One hundred per cent of all monetary gifts are used for expenses. At present the Lake Cowichan Animal Rescue Society is looking to restart its garage sale events, however they have been unsuccessful in finding a venue to hold them. Liability insurance is in place and the Society can offer a small monthly rental amount to anyone who has a building where items can be stored and garage sales, attended by Society volunteers, can be held on weekends. Anyone with fundraising ideas or a place to accommodate garage sales can contact Society president Mick Bedard at 250-749-4040. Gary and Sherrie McLaughlin are board members of LCARS.

www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, January 27, 2016 9

Workshop takes aim at contentious regional rec.

Elk poachers strike twice in two weeks: conservation

JAMES GOLDIE GAZETTE

KEVIN ROTHBAUER GAZETTE

Regional recreation was once again a topic of discussion and disagreement at the Jan. 13 board meeting of the Cowichan Valley Regional District, where directors approved committee terms of reference and funding for a regional recreation workshop. The board heard a report from John Elzinga, CVRD general manager of community services, who recommended the approval of regional recreation select committee terms of reference and the use of up to $13,300 for contracted services and a regional recreation workshop. Area G director Mel Dorey had questions regarding the motion. “I think this has been discussed a lot already and we have lots of information already,” he said. “I was wondering…what sorts of extra things are you going to look at that we haven’t looked at already? Or are you just going to get more current information?” In response, Elzinga noted that information from a Recreation Facility Use Analysis study was last done in 2011. He also said the committee could examine what other B.C. communities are doing. Ian Morrison, director for Area F, said he was “very cautious but open-minded about looking at regional recreation again,” although said he felt approving the terms of reference should wait until after the proposed workshop. Area I director Klaus Kuhn also voted

The Conservation Officer Service is asking the public for assistance in tracking down elk poachers who have been active in the Cowichan Valley recently. The COS responded to two separate elk kills in the area over the last two weeks, with three Roosevelt elk having been killed. According to Sgt. Scott Norris, the limited hunt ended Jan. 10, and no elk should have been killed since then. “There is no open hunting season, and no regulated killing should be going on,” he said. Last week, a cow and calf elk were found freshly killed on Island Timberlands property in the Glenora area. On Monday, the COS received a report of another cow elk killed near Caycuse. “All three had their four quarters and backstraps removed,” Norris said. “They

The CVRD is set to take another crack at regional recreation. [CITIZEN FILE]

“The unfortunate thing is that when you start getting unregulated hunting, it has an impact on the population.” SCOTT NORRIS, Conservation Officer Service

left the heads and the ribcages there.” All three had been shot with firearms, he added. The loss of even three elk could have a serious effect on Roosevelt elk herds. “The unfortunate thing is that when you start getting unregulated hunting, it has an impact on the population,” Norris said. “They are very sensitive to overhunting. It can have a huge effect, especially since all three were females.” Anyone with information should contact the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277. All callers can remain anonymous.

against the recommendations. “This effort…is the effort by the more central regions to rope in the outlying regions,” he said. “I can’t speak for the rest of the western valley but I know the people in Area I are not interested in getting coerced into a program that forces them to be part of the whole region.” Ultimately the terms of reference motion narrowly passed with seven votes against it. The workshop motion passed with four directors opposed.

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10 Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

Pumps only short-term fix: Catalyst official JAMES GOLDIE GAZETTE

Harold Norlund of Catalyst Paper addresses the Chamber of Commerce during a general meeting on Jan. 20. [JAMES GOLDIE/GAZETTE]

The dwindling water levels in the Cowichan River are getting worse each year and pumping water over the Lake Cowichan weir is only a bandaid solution according to its owner, Catalyst Paper Corporation. Harold Norlund, the company’s vice president and general manager, delivered this message at a general meeting of the Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce last week. He first gave a presentation on Catalyst’s operations before launching into an overview of the river’s water situation and Catalyst’s shortterm proposal to pump lake water into the river. “Pumping is not a good longterm solution,” he repeated throughout his presentation. “Drought conditions are here, the river changes are here. We need to have a conversation about medium and long-term solutions.” Catalyst owns the Lake Cowichan weir and relies on water from the river in order to maintain operations at its mill in Crofton. The company has submitted an application to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations for water pumping in 2016 and 2017 to keep the river at levels that will allow the mill to stay open and also for

“We need to have a conversation about medium and long-term solutions.” HAROLD NORLUND, Catalyst vice president

salmon to spawn. Water levels are the lowest in September. “The pumps would have to go by the boat launch, the generator we have to figure out whether… it goes on the museum side or the boat launch side [of the river],” he told the Gazette after his presentation. “The difference for us is, can we get it in there without causing another problem? And we’re trying to reduce noise as much as possible because there are some homes very close to the boat launch.” The pumps’ diesel generator emits noise at about 70 decibels, and Norlund said Catalyst would look into setting up a temporary wall or sound barrier to “mitigate noise as much as possible” when the generator is running. Norlund did not know when the provincial government would announce a decision on their application but said the pumps only require about three weeks to install. The operating cost of the pumps is $1 million annually and would be shouldered by Catalyst. “We need to have a conversation about medium and long-term

solutions. And really the longterm solution is we have to raise the weir somehow. And to do that Catalyst is looking to have a partnership with the CVRD and First Nations,” said Norlund. Ian Morrison, Area F director for the Cowichan Valley Regional District, was present during the talk and joined Norlund at the front of the room during part of the question-and-answer portion of the evening. “What kind of relationship can be created to ensure we have a strong partnership with business, local government, First Nations? That’s what’s being explored,” Morrison said. He also noted the prospect of raising the weir still has some area residents concerned they will lose beachfront property due to an increased water level. “There’s people asking that question,” he said. According to Norlund, the lake’s high water mark is 1.8 meters above the weir, and it would not be necessary to raise it that much. “The Cowichan River is a jewel in the valley,” he said, describing the many different uses for the river such as swimming, boating and fishing. “It’s a way of life we want to maintain. The way we take care of [reflects] how we’re going to be measured as a society.”

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www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, January 27, 2016 11

TIMBER

TmberWest is logging right behind residential properties north of Lake Cowichan this winter. A spokesperson has said that fire safety concerns have prompted the company to make the decision on the timing of the work. [LEXI BAINAS/GAZETTE]

Co-op ready to show off 20 years of work JAMES GOLDIE GAZETTE

In just a few months, community forest experts from across British Columbia will be arriving in Lake Cowichan and learning about some of the unique forestry work taking place in the town’s backyard. The Cowichan Lake Community Forest Co-operative (CLCFC) and the Pacheedaht First Nation have announced they will host the annual general meeting and conference of the BC Community Forest Association, a provincial organization advocating for the success of community forest initiatives throughout B.C. The conference has typically been held by communities in the interior. “We thought it was a good idea

to bring folks here, let’s show them what we’ve been doing the last 20 years,” said CLCFC representative Patrick Hrushowy, adding that an increasing number of forest co-ops are forming on Vancouver Island. Hrushowy said now is a particularly important moment to host the events because the co-op’s volume-based licence has expired and, in partnership with the Pacheedaht, the organization is looking for change. “If you switch to what is referred to as a community forest agreement, that’s land-based, you end up having both the responsibilities and the benefits come from managing the forest for yourself,” he said. “You end up with that sense of ownership and a stake in the future. The more

“If you switch to what is referred to as a community forest agreement, that’s land-based... You end up with that sense of ownership and a stake in the future. The more you care for the land, the more the land will provide for you.” PATRICK HRUSHOWY, Forest Cooperative

you care for the land, the more the land will provide for you.” The CLCFC’s land — in the Bolduc area — falls within traditional Pacheedaht territory. Consequently, said Hrushowy, the

co-op and the First Nation have been working together for years on issues like forest management, post-logging clean-up and reforestation. “We think showing [other association members] how we’ve operated on the coast and particularly how we’ve built this relationship over the years with the Pacheedaht, we think this represents a model that other people may want to follow,” he said. Susan Mulkey, manager of extension and communication at the association, said it’s been a delight working with the group from Lake Cowichan. “We’re way ahead of ourselves than previous year’s planning. T hey’re ver y engaged and enthusiastic,” she said. Mulkey said the annual confer-

ence and AGM is a way for community forest groups from very geographically different parts of the province to come together, network and learn from each other. “We have about 50 members. They’re all unique and everyone deals with their own unique challenges and situations,” she said. “But there is some commonality and we work really hard to support communities to not have to reinvent the wheel.” In addition to tours of some of the Lake Cowichan co-op’s forestry operations, the Pacheedaht First Nation will be preparing a traditional feast for delegates. Hrushowy estimates there could be between 100 and 150 people in attendance. The conference and AGM run May 26 to 28.

12 Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

Strike could see buses shut down Monday JAMES GOLDIE GAZETTE

STU SHIELDS, Unifor

Shields said while they are not seeking the same dollars per hour as Victoria, but they do want the same raise percentages and premiums that Victoria achieved. “We can tweak all that so it fits within the scope of their budget. But if [First Canada] think they’re getting a cheaper settlement than Victoria got then get ready to be taken out,” said Shields. The union is demanding a 5.95 per cent pay raise over five years plus $1 extra per hour because they are willing to accept a step wage grid for new hires, whereby it takes four years for new drivers to reach the full wage. (Currently new hires move immediately to the full wage after their training.) According to Shields the current wage rate for drivers in the Cowichan Valley is “just shy of $25 an hour.” Shields said one of the sticking points has been First Canada’s desire to restrict benefits to only full-time employees, even though many of their part-time employees are working full-time hours. “We’ve said absolutely not…If

they work full-time hours they’re entitled to full-time benefits,” said Shields. In a press release late last week, Shields said he is calling on the provincial government and BC Transit, which contracts out the transit service to First Canada, to encourage the company to take all concessions off the table and accept the union’s demands. He said he has not heard anything from the provincial government, but felt positive about his talks with BC Transit. In an email, BC Transit media and public relations advisor Mike Russell said: “We contract out the operations services to private operating companies who manage and hire their own services. As such, the labour dispute is between our service contractor for the area, First Canada, and their unionized employees.” However, Shields believes that BC Transit can and should get involved with the collective bargaining process. “My position is…‘Yes you can. They’re your contractor. Ultimately you’re responsible for getting the service out,” he said. First Canada could not be reached for comment by press time. If strike notice is issued by the union, bus service in the Cowichan Valley could shut down as early as Monday.

2016 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & AWARDS BANQUET Elect the new Directors for the Chamber Board Come out and celebrate with us as we present the 2015 Community and Business Awards at the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena Curling Lounge Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 6:00 pm $22.00 per person to attend RSVP by Thursday, February 18th, 2016 250-749-3244 or email: lcchamber@shaw.ca

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Bus service could be shut down as early as next week if negotiations between the contractor and the union don’t go well. [FILE]

Cowichan Valley Transit Workers are poised to go on strike next week depending on the outcome of two final days of negotiations with their employer, First Canada, which provides transit services around the Cowichan Valley and to the City of Victoria. Stu Shields, national representative for Unifor, the union representing the workers, stated that the employees have been without a contract since March 2015, although hard bargaining has only been going for the past two months. The union has voted 100 per cent in favor of a strike unless First Canada takes its current demands off the table. “We were perfectly ready to issue our strike notice last week but based on the talks we said we’ll withhold doing that… because in good faith we think we might be able to strike a deal this week,” said Shields. “We’re hopeful that when we get together Thursday there will be a framework for a deal, in which case we won’t serve 72 hours.” A strike would affect all routes within the Cowichan Valley as well as the commuter bus to Victoria. The union is looking for a settlement that mirrors the agreement reached between BC Transit and the City of Victoria last August.

“We were perfectly ready to issue our strike notice last week...”

www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, January 27, 2016 13

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FIRST TIME BUYERS

NEW LISTING

Where else can you buy something for less than $18,000 This mobile needs some work but the potential is great. Located in a lakefront mobile home park. Summers at the beach are a bonus! $17,900 #5-9041 Meades Creek

WATERFRONT LOT G PENDIN

34 Creekside

WATERFRONT

Start your dream here! Beautiful water front lot located in prestigious Creekside Estates on the sunny south facing shores of Lake Cowichan. Incredible views of the pristine lake and mountains and many high end homes are in this impressive subdivision. Minutes from the Town of Lake Cowichan, close to trails and plenty of nature and recreation. This property boasts 14,124 sq ft and is ready to build on. Add your own private dock or walk on the waterfront pebble beach. Great place to enjoy the summer, live year round or retire!

$309,900

OFFER WHAT YOU THINK… Great Investment property in the heart of Lake Cowichan. This property has been used as a residential rental but lends itself to redevelopment for commercial because of the prime location. Lot size is approx. 90x300

250 South Shore Rd.

$199,000

BEAUTIFUL WATERFRONT LOT

Sunny Youbou waterfront on .29 acre The main home has 3 bedroom & 2 bathrooms, beautiful birch floors and an open plan kitchen / living roomdesign. There is a 2nd residence with 2 bed/1 bath which is currently being rented. Why not own a piece of paradise?

10552 Coon Creek

9166 Meades Creek $245,000

G PENDIN

197 Grants Lake Rd.

This home features 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 kitchens and plenty of storage. There is a 560 sq ft double garage to store those summer toys. This big home sits on an extra large 0.37 acre lot with fenced garden area and lots of room for building that dream car garage. Quick Possession Available. Call to view today!

$230,000

PRETTY AS A PICTURE This lot is ideally suited to build your dream home in charming Mesachie Lake. The flat lot is close to swimming, golfing, hiking and camping. The lot includes a car port and a newer 200 sq ft shed which is wired, plumbed including a bathroom and insulated. The lot is fully fenced & has mature trees adding to the tranquility and privacy you will feel. Call to view today!

6624 Forestry Road

$119,000

PARADISE VILLAGE Make this your holiday get-a-away! Shared interest in a waterfront development boasting 12 acres on Lake Cowichan. There are 4 acres of play fields, a private marina, a boat launch, sandy beach and a year round caretaker. You are close to March Meadows Golf course, Gordon Bay Park, and only minutes from the Town of Lake Cowichan. Share in the abundance of nature the area offers that makes this place so uniquie!

Immaculate double wide mobile in a small adult park with only 10 units. This 2 bed/2 bath home has been meticulously maintained including paint, ﬂooring, appliances, new propane ﬁreplace, bathroom and the list goes on and on. A great home and wonderful location so don’t miss your chance to live here!

#1-8697 North Shore$121,000

$575,000

ROOMY READY & REASONABLE

Beautiful waterfront lot on one of the nicest spots on Cowichan Lake. This is an undivided ½ interest a Joint Tenants with a Co-Ownership Agreement in place. Cute cabin on property with two bedrooms, includes a hot tub and dock. Enjoy the beach for swimming & boating and spectacular view of the Mountains & Lake. Call to view today!

EASY LIVING

1200 Sq Ft shop with two bays for all your toys. There is also a 3 bedroom home situated on a roomy .32 acre lot. The back yard is large and private.Located close to all town amenities

upstairs with a huge living room, country kitchen and laundry room. There is a 1 bed suite downstairs which will provide extra revenue if needed or simply use as a big home. There is a big easy access wired shop that would be great for projects or storage. Call to view today!

$220,000

$269,999

HUGE SHOP

This large home features 3 bedrooms

147 MacDonald

$99,000

Your Property Is Our Priority! We Have Tenants Waiting!

477 Point Ideal $85,000

SPECTACULAR VIEWS You can see for miles & miles on this spectacular south facing 0.28 acre lot. Located high on the hill in the “Cottages at Marble Bay”. There are panoramic views of the mountains, beautiful Cowichan Lake & Honeymoon Bay! There is lake access with wharfs and beach front. They don’t come any better than this so make this your weekend destination get-a-way or for full time living!

RENTAL PROPERTIES WANTED!

#57-6855 Park Ave

$102,000

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Lubin, Charles S.

June 20, 1970- January 21, 2016 It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Charles. He will be missed by many including his father Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;arcy Lubin of Victoria and Youbou, his mother Rachael Lewis of Ontario, his sister Tina Gordon of Scotland, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. We are consoled knowing he is at peace. A private, family service will be held for Charles.

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LAKE COWICHAN DC519816 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 56 papers Comiaken Ave Pine St 54-59 Satlam Ave 40-164 DC519836 - 65 papers North Shore Rd 3-134 Wilson Rd Park Rd DC519846 - 56 papers Berar Rd Fern Rd Sall Rd South Shore Rd 232-350

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www.lakecowichangazette.com | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | Wednesday, January 27, 2016 15

Heart and Stroke breakfast saying farewell LEXI BAINAS CITIZEN

This February 1, when everyone in the Silverbridge Travelodge conference room gets up from their tables for a few 7:30 a.m. calisthenics, it will be the very last time. Everyone likes to mark the Heart and Stroke Celebrity Breakfast on their calendars but this year there is even more reason, as the iconic event will call it a day after 2016. The 30th annual breakfast will be held on Monday, Feb. 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Travelodge in Duncan. Colleen Marsel, an enthusiastic supporter of the Heart and Stroke campaign in the Valley, has been the face of the event since the beginning. It’s been an exciting three decades, raising awareness and raising money but it’s time to ring down the curtain, she said. “There’s just no one else to take it over. This will be the last breakfast but the door-to-door fundraiser and the Big Bike [event] will continue,” she said. “It’s going to be a fun time. The theme is Out of This World. We’ve got all kinds of decorations to make the room look great. And, of course, our emcee, Cam Drew, always makes it so fun, even if it is early in the morning.” Part of the celebration on the day will be a walk down mem-

ory lane. Organizers are putting together a slideshow featuring pictures from the Celebrity Breakfast/walking club/Big Bike from the past 30 years. For Marsel, it’s been very special period of her life. “I remember all the different themes, all the different outfits. We’ve played so many games. But I also think about all the money that we’ve raised. It’s over $250,000 now from the breakfasts. We’re pretty delighted. And the thing is it’s the only volunteer-run Celebrity Breakfast in the province.” Marsel, who has been the wind beneath project’s wings, gives credit to her own father for her continued inspiration. “My dad had quadruple bypass surgery in 1992 and survived. He’s 90 now and he’s going to be at the breakfast,” she said. The provincial Heart and Stroke Association will be sending representatives to the meeting but there is also entertainment on tap. “We’ve got Ricki-Lee [Allison] with her dancers. They’ll be doing some sort of Star Wars number. We’ve got an Out of This World number from the aerobics gal for exercises, too. It’s going to be a real celebration of how the whole community has come together year after year.” Marsel herself has a name for the Cowichan Valley.

Colleen Marsel has been a driving force behind the breakfast since it started, but says it’s now time to say goodbye. [CITIZEN FILE] “It’s the Community of Hearts, no doubt about it. The Valley has been one of the highest money raisers per capita in the province. And everything is volunteered: all that food is volunteered. The coffee, the muffins, the 55 dozen eggs, all the prizes, it just goes on

and on. Of course, all the celebrities all donate their time.” The hard working volunteer Heart and Stroke team “is dwindling sadly, and some of that is due to heart problems” but Valley folks will still keep fighting, just in different areas, to raise the

money, Marsel said. “I’ll still canvass and I’ll still look after Big Bike, but we’re going to have to let this one slide.” So, come dressed in your favourite Star Wars character, an astronaut or an alien and get set to blast off on another Heart & Stroke Campaign. Bring lots of change for the fabulous raffle prizes. Marsel is challenging the Valley to end these breakfasts with a bang. “Let’s blow the ceiling off our $15,000 fundraising goal and really put the Cowichan Valley on the map,” she said. It’s worth working for because 70,000 Canadians die of heart disease and stroke every year — that’s one life every seven minutes. Meanwhile, 1.6 million Canadians are living with the effects of heart disease and stroke and 80 per cent of those problems are preventable, with pre-emptive action. Tickets to the breakfast are $20 and they are going quickly. “We delivered hundreds of them in the community yesterday and today. Hopefully we’ll get over 300 people there. And remind people to get there early because there won’t be much parking by the time 300 people get there.” Order your tickets from Marsel at 250-748-9614 or by email colleenmarsel@shaw.ca

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16 Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | THE LAKE COWICHAN GAZETTE | www.lakecowichangazette.com

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